"Inward Spaces ... Outward Places" is Brian Hagen’s first album of multi-instrumental pieces, composed and performed in a variety of styles. Six of the fourteen tracks are solo piano, three of which are also presented in ensemble arrangements where all of the instrumentation is performed by Hagen. If you are looking for a collection with a consistent style or mood throughout, this one won’t work, but I found the variety delightful in the car and while I was working at the computer. Most of the pieces have a smooth jazz vibe, but there is one classical piano solo by Muzio Clementi and a few pieces are more new age. It’s an excellent display of Hagen’s versatility and a composer and musician. Brian Hagen has been playing the piano since he was a very young child, was classically-trained, and studied classical music and jazz as music major in college. He has also been active in improvisational theater, creating the music as the plays were being invented.

"Inward Spaces ... Outward Places" begins with the solo piano version of “Dizziness,” a warm and breezy piece that hints of Antonio Carlos Jobim - smooth and elegant with a gentle energy. It appears later as an ensemble arrangement that features guitar and keyboard. “I Never Knew Her” is a beautiful solo piano jazz ballad with a strong and very expressive melody. Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) composed a large volume of solo piano music that isn’t heard often enough. Hagen included his “Sonatina Op. 38, #2 (second movement)” on this album, and it fits right in. The ensemble version of “Quietly” is light and easy-going with a tropical feeling while the solo version is much softer and ends the album with a gentle sigh. “Distantly” is smooth jazz with a lyrical melody over a gently swaying rhythm. It appears as a piano solo and later as an upbeat ensemble. The energy gets kicked up several notches with the joyful and exuberant “Island Beach Party.” If your toes don’t get to tapping with this one, you’d better check your pulse! “Dreamwave” goes into a more new age direction with the sound of the ocean in the background and a slightly jazzy keyboard melody and rhythm. “Ascension” gets very ambient and “spacey.” “Starflight” has a bright, playful energy while suggesting twinkling stars and propulsive motion. I like this one almost as much as the piano solos! “Afternoon Waltz” is light, carefree and very happy - also a favorite. “Clara’s Song,” my favorite of the piano solos, is sometimes wistful and dreamy, sometimes bolder and more confident. I love the free, spontaneous feeling of this lovely piece.

Inward spaces….Outward places (title is actually in lowercase letters) is the first CD released by Brian Hagen in 2014. If you are looking for a varied style of music that has elements of classical, jazz and multi-instruments rolled into one CD including an ambient sound, then this release is for you. Out of fourteen tracks, six are solo piano with three being multi-instrumental all performed by the artist. Several songs have an ambient sound and true new age draw. I found the CD to be varied in style and mood including an “island” type feel. This CD is a testimony to this musician’s versatility as both a composer and keyboardist. Having studied classical and jazz in college, this compilation speaks to his education and ability. The CD opens with Dizziness a delightful jazz solo piano piece that has a taste of a dreamy melody paired with soft energy. I Never Knew Her is another jazz delight with a very catchy melody. I particularly loved the ending quietly cascading toward the upper register of this melody--breathtaking. With the jazz solo piano selections there are also renditions of the same pieces in ensemble style which gives an interesting musical twist. Distantly is my next favorite piano piece. It has such a sweet melody which gave me a feeling of happiness. I love the blending of jazz elements and sweet melody. Another moment of wow with the pp ending -outstanding. Island Beach Party has more of a spunky island feel and sound. I loved the blend of both piano and multiple instruments which Mr. Hagen performed on this energetic and fun piece! Dreamwave leads the listener into a new age direction with the sound of ocean waves in the background. This new age sound is gently blended with a slightly jazzy keyboard melody which is appealing. Ascension has a definite ambient sound of rising into outer space. The motion of the melody propels the listener forward into a space odyssey.The next instrumental piece that I liked was Afternoon Waltz. This piece has a light engaging melody. I loved the ”waltzy” and happy feel this delightful track gave. My last two favorites on this CD are Clara’s Song and Quietly. These two ended up being my absolute favorites though I enjoyed all of the others. Clara’s Song has both a congenial melody seasoned with quiet confidence just adding to its already appealing sound. I loved it! My last favorite is Quietly. I prefer the piano version of this piece though the ensemble version was pleasant. Simply adored the delicate strength and wistful sighing towards introspection this song gave. The warmth and expressiveness by the artist is showcased in this lovely piece. The CD ends with this gorgeous track, wrapping up a well-rounded musical experience that engages the listener in musical curiosity. An interesting and varied showcase of sound by a talented composer, keyboardist and musician. I highly recommend it for this reason!